The influence of flower color on outcrossing rate and male reproductive success in Ipomoea purpurea.

Abstract

The pigmented and white morphs outcross at similar rates, but the white morph is favored as a pollen donor. The dynamics of selection occurring at the locus coding for white versus pigmented flowers are more complex than previously believed. Factors such as frequency-dependent outcrossing rates and epistatic effects of the white allele may be operating. Pollinator observations are unreliable indicators of the actual mating system. -from Authors